Match Report: Ladies 1st XI v Aldershot & Farnham28th Sept

Yateley 3-2 Aldershot & Farnham

The Ladies 1s faced Aldershot and Farnham 2s in their first league match of the season. The 1s welcomed Abi, making her 1st XI debut, and she certainly did not look out of place in the squad showing great determination and skill up front.

The match started a little shakily for YHC as they found their feet and dealt with any ‘start of the season’ nerves. However, by focusing on transferring the ball around the back, the ladies grew in confidence and started to push forward and put A&F under pressure.

Ruth picked up the ball just outside the 25, drove through into the D, and found a foot to win the first penalty corner of the game. Opting for a straight strike, Jen took a cracking shot and smashed the ball into the back -board for the first goal.
Unfortunately for YHC, A&F responded really quickly and, after some confusion in the D, slotted the ball away only a few minutes later to bring the scores level.

YHC’s defensive unit of Lizzie, Gibo, Caz and Siobhain continued to pick the balls off the frustrated A&F forward line and pushed forward well as a unit.
Siobhain (Player of the Match) distributed balls fantastically from defence. One of these great balls was played to Ruth in midfield, who again drove into the D from outside the 25 and won a corner. After a quick discussion at the top of the D, Jen again took a great strike and Ruth ran in to neatly deflect the ball up and into the goal, meaning YHC went into half-time with a well-deserved 2-1 lead.

YHC played some great hockey in the opening minutes of the second half – showing the kind of hockey they are capable of playing. Some great movement in the D, opened up space allowing the ball to be fired in. Ruth stepped in front of her marking player and deflected the ball past the keeper for YHC’s third goal.

YHC then made hard work of the next 20 minutes and this allowed A&F to get another goal back to make the score 3-2. Despite some errors being made, YHC showed real grit and fantastic teamwork to hold onto their lead and secure their first 3 points of the season. At times, it might not have been the prettiest hockey played but there were moments of play that showed the potential of this team and with a 100% PC scoring record it’s an exciting time for the 1s squad!